Dr. Lori Croom-Jasper had a vision to be an entrepreneur as a child, and today she is sharing that vision with others and helping them see their future clearly—literally. I recently spoke with Dr. Jasper about her company, NowVision Eye Care.
Tell me about NowVision Eye Care.
I opened NowVision Eye Care April 23, 2012. It had always been my dream to own my company. In tenth grade I realized that I wanted to be an optometrist, and it was amazing to me that this was a field where I could not only be a professional, but also an entrepreneur at the same time.
How often should children and adults have their eyes examined?
Most adults and school-aged children should be examined annually.
What are some signs that a child needs glasses?
If your child is squinting, complaining of headaches, if you notice one eye turning inwards or outwards, if they get tired very quickly after trying to read/study, or if they need to get very close to the school board or television, these are a few of the signs that they may need glasses.
What are some signs that an adult needs glasses?
Blurred vision at distance or near, headaches, and trouble seeing past other street lights/headlights at night.
If a parent does not have insurance for their children, what options do they have for eye treatment?
First, I would suggest that the parents try to get their kids on Medicaid or All Kids…these programs are designed to make sure all children have access to health insurance. If the parents are unable to get Medicaid and are unable to pay out of pocket, there is a group called Sight Savers that coordinates benefits for children’s exams and glasses for low-income families. At NowVision Eye Care, we are Sight Savers providers.
What is the biggest mistake people make when it comes to taking care of their eyes?
People assume that because that they don’t need to have their eyes checked as long as they can see well. This is dangerous because there are several sight-threatening and potentially blinding conditions that do not come with symptoms that a patient can see. Yearly exams can reveal many of these conditions and prevent them from causing blindness in many cases.
What advice do you have for women juggling having a family and career?
Get help. If you already have a good support system, you are blessed. However, don’t be afraid to ask for or hire help when needed. Trying to do it all will eventually put a strain on your health and on your relationships. You will be able to be a better wife or mother when you’re not consistently dog-tired.
What advice do you have for women who would like to start their own business?
Business ownership is great. In many cases it’s harder than working for someone else and just getting a paycheck. But if you put the hard work in up front, it can pay off big time later.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Just pray and ask the Lord for guidance and also do your research on how to do everything properly and legitimately.
What important events or specials do you have coming up in the next few months that you would like for readers to know about?
It’s time for back to school eye exams. It’s very important to know that your children are able to do their best in school every year. This means making sure that their vision is good and that their eyes are healthy.
To learn more about Dr. Lori Croom-Jasper, owner/optometrist of NowVision Eye Care, or to schedule an appointment, call (205-777-5572) or email her.
